La Maddalena

La-Maddalena
La-Maddalena

La Maddalena is a small archipelago in northeastern Sardinia. There are a total of 62 islands here, seven of which are the main islands in the archipelago. Parts of the islands are a National Park (Parco Nazionale dell Archipelago di La Maddalena). The boats to La Maddalena leave in Palau - the crossing takes only about 15 minutes to the main island La Maddalena. The town of the same name La Maddalena can be seen from the port in Palau. All-day tours around the archipelago by boat are also available and such a tour is highly recommended. The main island La Maddalena is also very popular with cyclists. Above all, La Maddalena offers rocks, beaches and wonderful turquoise-blue water as far as the eye can see. Granite and slate dominate the picture next to the sea. Snorkeling, swimming, diving, beaches or a day on a boat - this promises relaxation at its best. The very original ecosystem that was not formed by human hands is an exceptional experience as well. Thus La Maddalena is also a flagship project in terms of conservation and preservation of natural conditions in the Mediterranean. The pink beach is a famous attraction and it is absolutely unique. Adequate sun protection and water are by the way absolutely necessary for a visit to the islands - there is almost no shade here. The waters are shallow, with little swell and therefore ideal for children.

Map-La-Maddalena

La Maddalena - Anreise und Hauptinsel sowie Stadt La Maddalena

La Maddalena - Overview and Arrival

The archipelago of La Maddalena covers 62 islands on an area of 5,134 hectares of land and 15,046 hectares of sea surface. The entire coast of the islands covers 180 kilometers - that is about a tenth of the entire coastal kilometers of Sardinia in a relatively small space. The most important islands of the archipelago are La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi and Spargiotto, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, Nibani, Mortorio, Soffi and Camere. For reasons of nature conservation, some beaches and places in the archipelago of La Maddalena should not be entered.

The drive to La Maddalena - the main island - starts from Palau. By ferry it takes about 15 minutes to get to the island. Charter boats and excursion boats are also available. Especially during the season it is really busy here; there are about 80 crossings a day.

If you are traveling to La Maddalena and decide to do a boat tour, you will find a boat in the port of Palau. Countless boats posted their signs here, so you can choose which boat you want to go on a tour with. A crossing to Corsica or a tour group or a boat charter must be requested / registered in advance. For celebrations such as business trips or weddings, the boats and tours are also very popular.

Main island and town of La Maddalena

The island of La Maddalena is besides the village Stagnali on Caprera the only inhabited island. The city of La Maddalena has about 13,000 inhabitants and is often called "the Paris of Sardinia". It is one of the most beautiful towns or places of Sardinia with a charming old town that you should pay a visit. Palaces from the 18th Century invite you to stroll - so do the cafes and restaurants in the city. Narrow streets and stairs characterize the cityscape. By the way, you can also start a boat tour from here.

The most famous highlight of the main island is the Strada Panoramica. This panoramic road is about 20 kilometers / 12 miles long and it circles the island. You can also explore the main island of La Maddalena by car. The beaches Testa di Polpo and the Spalmatore bay are among the most beautiful beaches that can be explored on the main island of La Maddalena.

Even if you miss many highlights: A tour to the main island, the city of La Maddalena and a round trip with beaches ... that alone will take a whole day.

Noch mehr Inseln des Archipels La Maddalena

Caprera

The second largest island in the archipelago of La Maddalena comes first in terms of nature and beauty. Holm oaks, junipers, strawberry trees and Mediterranean plants thrive here. On Caprera there is also a world famous sailing school. If you want to learn to sail, you will find a very special place here. Especially in the northeast of the island are spectacularly beautiful bays such as Cala Coticcio. Coticcio Bay is hidden away and difficult to reach by land. It is like a huge outdoor aquarium with many kinds of fish and starfish. But other beaches like the Serena Bay with fine white sand are beautiful places, too. The wreck "Il Relitto" is about ten meters long ship, which is also found along the coast of this island. On the island of Caprera there is a Visitor Center (Centauro Educazione Ambientale - CEA) with a museum. On Caprera there are also numerous hiking routes or tours that last from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Spargi und Spargiotto

Spargi presents itself with many bays and beaches - among others the beaches Cala Corsara, Cala Connari (picture below) and Cala Granara. Especially the east side of this island is known for its rich nature. Surrounded by granite cliffs and lush vegetation, the emerald green water shines from afar. The small neighboring island of Spargiotto is exposed to the mistral (wind) and it houses many seabirds such as the cormorant.

Budelli and the pink beach (Spiaggia Rosa)

The island of Budelli is located north of Spargi. It is especially famous for the pink beach. Call it what you want: pink, coral or whatever ... it's a unique natural phenomenon that can not be found anywhere else in the world. The beach is strictly protected and must not be entered. Friends of sand gathering should leave it be and show respect for nature.

The only publicly accessible beach on Budelli is the beach Spiaggia del Cavaliere. The shallow water is also emerald green here. However, it gets quite crowded during the main season.

Razzoli, Santa Maria, Nibani, Mortorio, Soffi and Camere

The island of Santa Maria boasts majestic cliffs and rocks. They are created by the influence of the wind in the Strait of Bonifacio. A lighthouse dominates the waterway between Corsica and Sardinia. Also here you will find wonderful beaches like Spiaggia di Cala dell'Orto, Spiaggia di Cala Secondo, Cala Prima or Cala Cappello. On Santa Maria there is an old monastery and the most beautiful beach is Cala Santa Maria.

The lagoon of Porto Madonna between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria is one of the most impressive places in the archipelago. Here you will find a breathtaking underwater world that is of particular interest to divers and snorkellers.

The islands of Nibani, Mortorio, Soffi and Camere are just a stone's throw away from Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Here you will find many boats and also these islands are subject to the rules of the protected area La Maddalena.

Conservation in the archipelago of La Maddalena

The nature reserve is divided into different zones. There are restrictions on diving, scuba diving, fishing and sometimes on entering the islands or beaches. Since you are only allowed to go on a boat with permission anyway, you need not worry about it. Your guides on the boats know exactly what they are allowed to do and what not. You: Just relax and enjoy the islands of La Maddalena.

Navigation: Discover Sardinia

Good to know: Information about Sardinia
Food and drinks: Cuisine
Transportation: Arrival and accomodation
Places and more: Where to on Sardinia?

For your journey

How to get there? Check on Flights and airports or ferries to Sardinia. If you want to stay for a while, holiday homes or hotels information about camping and campsites as well as rental cars are a good read for you.

Places nearby

Near La Maddalena you will find a lot of awesome places on Sardinia: Golfo Aranci, Porto Cervo, Palau and Olbia or Santa Teresa Gallura.